Comments on the content of the material should be sent to the U.S. Department of State
Other Names
Description An ultraleftist/radical group with origins in the fragmentation of the Japanese
Communist Party in 1957. Largest domestic militant group; has political arm plus
small, covert action wing called Kansai Revolutionary Army. Funding derived from
membership dues, sales of its newspapers, and fundraising campaigns.
Activities Participates in mass street demonstrations and commits sporadic attacks using
crude rockets and incendiary devices usually designed to cause property damage
rather than casualties. Protests Japan's imperial system, Western "imperialism,"
and events like the Gulf war and the expansion of Tokyo's Narita airport.
Launched at least four rockets at the US army base at Zama, near Tokyo, at the
start of the G-7 Summit in July 1993.
